Charles Harris

Charles Harris departed this life on February 7, 2021 . “Black Charles" as he was known to family and friends, was born January 1, 1973 in Kansas City, MO to the union of Rosie Vasser and Charles Manning. He was preceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Helen and Johnny Manning ; maternal  grandparents  Willie Mae McIntosh Griffin and Haywood Harris ;Sister Rose Mary Manning ; Aunts , Ella Rogers, Dorothy Johnson, and Willie Mae Boose ; Uncles Mack Manning, Arthur Manning, Henry Lee Manning, and Eddie Manning. Although he suffered several losses over the years, Charles was deeply affected by the loss of his son Ar'Shawn Harris, nephews Daveontae Harris and JaQuon Harris, uncle Ronnie Harris and cousins Michael McGowan and Simmian “ Peter Rabbit" Harris.

Charles was educated in the Kansas City MO School District.  He completed his education by receiving his GED, later earning an HVAC degree from Kansas City Community College.

Charles always was given the nickname “Big Chuck" by family and friends. He was a man that truly lived by the motto “family over everything “. He taught his children to put the family before anything. He was so proud to be both a Harris and a Manning. Charles enjoyed hanging out with his family every chance he could. He loved sitting on the porch , enjoying a drink with his father. You could often find him at his Auntie Johnnie Mae's hanging out with family or playing pool with his cousins at a local pool hall. He loved his children deeply and bragged about them every chance he could.

Big Chuck never pretended to be anything he wasn’t. He was very honest about his struggles in life and the mistakes he made  At the time of his passing he had started to change things around. He was employed as a maintenance man and had opened a car business “A&A Automotive “.

Charles met Anita Love as a young man and began a bond that would last until the time of his passing.  They were united in marriage and shared 7 children together. Although they later divorced they remained life long best friends. He would later begin a relationship with Lakiya Hill and had his youngest two daughters with her. Charles left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His loss has affected us deeply, but his memory will never be forgotten. We will love him forever.

No matter what obstacles he faced in life, Charles always remained strong in his faith. He accepted Christ at an early age. He would often tell his sister Lorinda that he was “ trusting God, praying, and reading his Bible “. Before the pandemic he would take Lakiya , Ava, and Averi to his cousin Jesse’s church “WUN Ministries". He would tell Minister J “ wherever you’re preaching at lil cousin, that’s where I belong “.

We, as a family, have a final message for Big Chuck . You did a great job ! Matthew 25:21 says “well done my good and faithful servant “. We truly believe Black Charles heard those words upon going Home. We will always remember your beautiful smile, your love of your children, family, and friends. It’s truly “ FAMILY OVER EVERYTHING “ FOREVER WITH US !!

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his devoted mother, Rosie Vasser ; his loving  father Charles Manning ; daughters Sharay McGhee-Love, Tristan Harris, Dakota Wilson-Love, Kalecia Harris, Ava Williams-Harris and Averi Harris ; sons Charles Harris Jr, Akio Love(Anae), Idell Harris(Halle), and Octavious Harris-Love ; Sister Lorinda Vasser (Donnell)  Brothers ; Matthew Harris, Shandron Smith, Cornell Manning ; Aunts Lucille Winscott, Lawanda Franklin (Clifton), Lillie Harris, Mable Harris, Shirley Harris, Johnnie Mae McGowan (Doug),Mary Manning  Faye McNeely (Tony), Betty Reed (Charles), Ruby Meyers( Emmanuel) , Earsaline Phifer (Randy); Uncles Ira Manning (Lovely), Calvin Manning, Roy Manning (Sidnietra), Shadeed Abdus-Sabur Lowe (Yvette), Robert Lee Harris (Lilly) , Leadrewis Vasser (Maria), Charles Harris (Chrystie), John Lowe. The mothers of his children Anita Love, Lakiya Hill, Lynette Knot, and Shelicia. Charles leaves two cousins with whom he shared a very special bond, Janice “Janie" McGowan and Nancy “ Nikki" Matthews. He also leaves nine grandchildren, as well as a host of very special cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loved ones and friends.